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From Highlights to Lowlifes
What had seemed the answer to Tilly’s problems had now turned into her worst nightmare. A happily married mother-of-three, Tilly was not the stereotypical criminal – in fact, she’d barely warrant a second glance if passed in the street.
“No one will stop you, Tilly. You’re Mrs. Average. Why would anyone suspect you?”
She’d only wanted to protect her family. If your whole life was under threat, would you make the same decision?
Based on actual events and real-life diary entries, Tilly’s story shows how quickly life can turn…
"I couldn't put this book down. A moving true story that's well worth a read." A gritty, gripping, true-crime debut.
“No one will stop you, Tilly. You’re Mrs. Average. Why would anyone suspect you?”
She’d only wanted to protect her family. If your whole life was under threat, would you make the same decision?
Based on actual events and real-life diary entries, Tilly’s story shows how quickly life can turn…
"I couldn't put this book down. A moving true story that's well worth a read." A gritty, gripping, true-crime debut.
162 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 30, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 29, 2020
I literally cried while reading From Highlights to Lowlifes, that’s based on actual events and real-life diary entries. I know it was Tilly’s own fault for working for a friend carrying drugs strapped to her stomach and believing a friend that no one would stop her as she is Mrs Average. When Tilly is stopped and search she is given a five year sentence in prison. I was glued to Tilly’s own true story I wanted to find out how Tilly would cope inside prison. Tilly takes us through her prison sentence with the other women she has to share her room with. And how her family react through what she has done.
If you have read any books like Cartel Wives Mia and Olivia Flores who were married to the highest level drug traffickers or Breakfast at Bronzefield about another young woman Sophie Campbell, who was sent to one of the largest female prisons HMP Bronzefiels you will be gripped into Highlights to Lowlifes.
November 25, 2020
This is the story of Tilly’s journey after being arrested for drug smuggling. After falling into financial difficulties because of her husbands gambling addiction, she is convinced by a “friend” that she could easily smuggle drugs into the country and not get caught and solve all of her problems.
As you’ve probably guessed by the nature of the book, things do not go entirely to plan!
I found Tilly’s story so interesting and a really honest and gritty view of what prison was like in the 90’s. She came across as such a strong woman and mother who was doing what she believed she had to do in the circumstances to support her family. While I don’t agree with her choices, I can definitely understand why she did what she did and definitely sympathise with her. Who knows what decisions we’d all make if we were in the same position!
I’m so glad I read this book, it was a real eye opener which gave me Orange is the New Black vibes, and without Love Books Tours I may never have even heard of it!
As you’ve probably guessed by the nature of the book, things do not go entirely to plan!
I found Tilly’s story so interesting and a really honest and gritty view of what prison was like in the 90’s. She came across as such a strong woman and mother who was doing what she believed she had to do in the circumstances to support her family. While I don’t agree with her choices, I can definitely understand why she did what she did and definitely sympathise with her. Who knows what decisions we’d all make if we were in the same position!
I’m so glad I read this book, it was a real eye opener which gave me Orange is the New Black vibes, and without Love Books Tours I may never have even heard of it!
November 24, 2020
Title: From Highlights to Lowlifes
Author: Alyson J Chattoe and Jilly Clark
Pages: 187
Publisher: The Writing Hall
Rating: 4/5
A huge thank you to Alyson J Chattoe, Jilly Clark, The Writing Hall and Love Books Tours for letting me be part of the blog tour.
Synopsis:
Tilly makes one wrong decision that changes everything. All she wanted to do was to help her family, she knew it was stupid and reckless, but a risk she felt she had to take. A married mother of three, Tilly wasn’t your stereotypical criminal, all she wanted to do was protect her loved ones, but unfortunately for her she was caught and her worst nightmare was about to become a reality. Based on real events and real dairy entries, Tilly’s story sows us how quickly life can change.
Review:
The description of this book really interested me as it states that the story was based on true events and on the author’s experiences. I loved the idea of how diary entries would be used to make a fiction book. The reviews also looked very promising so I was excited to find out for myself and it safe to say I was not disappointed in the slightest.
The first chapter did a fantastic job at pulling me in. I instantly connected with the author’s writing styles and the tone of the book was perfect. I began to be hooked in and enthralled by this story and I really appreciated the raw honesty and openness of the author’s experiences in this, it made everything feel very real.
I really felt for Tilly and what she went through after making one silly decision, it generally shows how you shouldn’t judge anyone until you know their full story because Tilly was only acting on pure love. From Highlights to Lowlifes really brought to light how money isn’t everything however and how it can change you as a person. It shows the ugly and cruel side to money.
The book also shows you how ugly drug use can be. It highlights how the nicest of person can be changed due to the use of drugs and the measures people may take just to get their next fix. I’m glad the Tilly stayed true to herself in the story, this was a very important message.
The fact that some of the settings in this read are close to home for me, it made everything feel more real. I honestly couldn’t put this back down once I had started; I was truly gripped and the book was devoured in one sitting. It was powerful, deep and contained some very important life lessons. I genuinely felt like I was on the journey with Tilly, and what a roller-coaster the journey was.
This thought provoking read was very different to the stories I have been reading recently but I can honestly say this is a read that will stay with me for a while.
Author: Alyson J Chattoe and Jilly Clark
Pages: 187
Publisher: The Writing Hall
Rating: 4/5
A huge thank you to Alyson J Chattoe, Jilly Clark, The Writing Hall and Love Books Tours for letting me be part of the blog tour.
Synopsis:
Tilly makes one wrong decision that changes everything. All she wanted to do was to help her family, she knew it was stupid and reckless, but a risk she felt she had to take. A married mother of three, Tilly wasn’t your stereotypical criminal, all she wanted to do was protect her loved ones, but unfortunately for her she was caught and her worst nightmare was about to become a reality. Based on real events and real dairy entries, Tilly’s story sows us how quickly life can change.
Review:
The description of this book really interested me as it states that the story was based on true events and on the author’s experiences. I loved the idea of how diary entries would be used to make a fiction book. The reviews also looked very promising so I was excited to find out for myself and it safe to say I was not disappointed in the slightest.
The first chapter did a fantastic job at pulling me in. I instantly connected with the author’s writing styles and the tone of the book was perfect. I began to be hooked in and enthralled by this story and I really appreciated the raw honesty and openness of the author’s experiences in this, it made everything feel very real.
I really felt for Tilly and what she went through after making one silly decision, it generally shows how you shouldn’t judge anyone until you know their full story because Tilly was only acting on pure love. From Highlights to Lowlifes really brought to light how money isn’t everything however and how it can change you as a person. It shows the ugly and cruel side to money.
The book also shows you how ugly drug use can be. It highlights how the nicest of person can be changed due to the use of drugs and the measures people may take just to get their next fix. I’m glad the Tilly stayed true to herself in the story, this was a very important message.
The fact that some of the settings in this read are close to home for me, it made everything feel more real. I honestly couldn’t put this back down once I had started; I was truly gripped and the book was devoured in one sitting. It was powerful, deep and contained some very important life lessons. I genuinely felt like I was on the journey with Tilly, and what a roller-coaster the journey was.
This thought provoking read was very different to the stories I have been reading recently but I can honestly say this is a read that will stay with me for a while.
April 11, 2021
***3.5 stars!***
Books are my therapy of choice. When I need a timeout from RL I know that I can escape for a couple of hours into the world of HEAs and reset my brain. So, admittedly, I don’t tend to read a lot of non-fiction. What can I say? *shrugs* I’m all about the rainbows, giggles, unicorn bottom burps with a side of warm and fuzzies.
However, there was just something about Tilly’s story I couldn’t ignore. I had to know what made her think this was the best way to solve her money problems. I was doing my upmost not to sit in judgement because people in glass houses and all that... right?! But I was head scratching for sure.
Not gonna lie, it wasn’t the easiest of reads. I was torn between feeling sorry for Tilly as she faces up to the harsh reality of prison life and all that entails, alongside thinking she got what she deserved. Don’t do the crime if you can’t do the time – as they say! And therein lies my guilt as I didn’t want to be that person as mentioned above. Ugh!
It was Tilly’s kids I felt the sorriest for, especially Elliot. At the tender age of seven, I could feel his pain and bewilderment at having his mum seemingly ripped from him which was compounded by Tilly’s feelings of guilt and helplessness at the situation her decision had caused.
Alyson Chattoe’s writing gave life to Tilly’s thoughts, feelings, and experiences. I particularly enjoyed the diary entries at the end. I just wish we could’ve caught up with Tilly a few years after she’d been released from prison to see how life was treating her now. We won’t discuss Jake! *shakes head*
It just goes to show you, doesn’t it? There is no such thing as easy money.
Books are my therapy of choice. When I need a timeout from RL I know that I can escape for a couple of hours into the world of HEAs and reset my brain. So, admittedly, I don’t tend to read a lot of non-fiction. What can I say? *shrugs* I’m all about the rainbows, giggles, unicorn bottom burps with a side of warm and fuzzies.
However, there was just something about Tilly’s story I couldn’t ignore. I had to know what made her think this was the best way to solve her money problems. I was doing my upmost not to sit in judgement because people in glass houses and all that... right?! But I was head scratching for sure.
Not gonna lie, it wasn’t the easiest of reads. I was torn between feeling sorry for Tilly as she faces up to the harsh reality of prison life and all that entails, alongside thinking she got what she deserved. Don’t do the crime if you can’t do the time – as they say! And therein lies my guilt as I didn’t want to be that person as mentioned above. Ugh!
It was Tilly’s kids I felt the sorriest for, especially Elliot. At the tender age of seven, I could feel his pain and bewilderment at having his mum seemingly ripped from him which was compounded by Tilly’s feelings of guilt and helplessness at the situation her decision had caused.
Alyson Chattoe’s writing gave life to Tilly’s thoughts, feelings, and experiences. I particularly enjoyed the diary entries at the end. I just wish we could’ve caught up with Tilly a few years after she’d been released from prison to see how life was treating her now. We won’t discuss Jake! *shakes head*
It just goes to show you, doesn’t it? There is no such thing as easy money.
December 3, 2020
We open with a woman travelling home from her first trip to help get her family out of debt. She recalls how she has got to this point in her life
A fascinating true-life story of a woman, Tilly, who finds that her partner has been gambling and that they are in debt. The mortgage hasn’t been paid and they are at risk of loosing their home. Still she works out a plan which Jake agrees to. It seems to be working even though things are tight and it has meant cutting back on as much as possible. There is still a long way to go.
As it approaches Jakes birthday he tells Tilly they have been invited out for a meal by friends. Tilly has only briefly met one of the couples. It is with these friends that Jake started to get into gambling. Jake assures Tilly that it’s just the cost of a cab to the restaurant and home again. The meal is a birthday present so, as it’s his birthday, Tilly agrees.
However they go on after the meal to one of the couples home. Tilly is wary but persuaded. Jake, however, gets drunk and high and Tilly just wants to go home. Whilst waiting for a cab she tells one of the group about the debt. He says that he can help Tilly find a way out of the debt that she and her partner have got into.
It’s her first run and she gets caught!
We get a fascinating account of what happens to someone when they have been arrested and how they are processed through the British police custody and prison systems. The wait in prison for her trial and then to prison to serve her sentence.
We get Tilly’s account of what happens inside prison, how she copes, how difficult it is to keep sane, to make it through her sentence and what happens with her family relationships.
This was the process when someone actually admits what they have done which I feel was one of the good things about Tilly. She took responsibility even though the cause of the problem had been Jake. Yes, it was her decision to do this but she had not been the one to gamble and put the family into such a difficult position.
My feelings toward Tilly when reading the book moved back and forth between sympathy and annoyance or rather frustration. It seemed to me that the root cause was Jake – a rather weak character who was very dependent on others and, perhaps, chose the wrong friends but who could/would not take responsibility for his actions. Tilly took it all on her own shoulders which had hard consequences not only for herself but all her family. Her father and daughter shine out in this story – great folk to have on your side in such difficult times.
Tilly now gives talks to schools etc., she also clearly realised from her time in prison what the effects of drugs can do and that’s a great way to redress what she did.
This is a terrific book that can easily be used as a base, a tool for discussion on drugs, making choices, understanding your financial information, budgeting, relationships and the consequences of breaking the law amongst other life issues. These are things that are important and should be part of what all young people learn about in school.
Not necessarily an easy book to read at times but nonetheless it is an interesting, fascinating account of one woman’s story of debt and desperate attempt to help her family back to a better life. Mistaken, yes, but what would any of us do in those circumstances?
Thanks
To Kelly and Megs at LoveBooksTours for the invite to the BlogTour for From Highlights and Lowlifes and to TWH Publishing for a copy of the book. I do not receive any payment for reviews.
A fascinating true-life story of a woman, Tilly, who finds that her partner has been gambling and that they are in debt. The mortgage hasn’t been paid and they are at risk of loosing their home. Still she works out a plan which Jake agrees to. It seems to be working even though things are tight and it has meant cutting back on as much as possible. There is still a long way to go.
As it approaches Jakes birthday he tells Tilly they have been invited out for a meal by friends. Tilly has only briefly met one of the couples. It is with these friends that Jake started to get into gambling. Jake assures Tilly that it’s just the cost of a cab to the restaurant and home again. The meal is a birthday present so, as it’s his birthday, Tilly agrees.
However they go on after the meal to one of the couples home. Tilly is wary but persuaded. Jake, however, gets drunk and high and Tilly just wants to go home. Whilst waiting for a cab she tells one of the group about the debt. He says that he can help Tilly find a way out of the debt that she and her partner have got into.
It’s her first run and she gets caught!
We get a fascinating account of what happens to someone when they have been arrested and how they are processed through the British police custody and prison systems. The wait in prison for her trial and then to prison to serve her sentence.
We get Tilly’s account of what happens inside prison, how she copes, how difficult it is to keep sane, to make it through her sentence and what happens with her family relationships.
This was the process when someone actually admits what they have done which I feel was one of the good things about Tilly. She took responsibility even though the cause of the problem had been Jake. Yes, it was her decision to do this but she had not been the one to gamble and put the family into such a difficult position.
My feelings toward Tilly when reading the book moved back and forth between sympathy and annoyance or rather frustration. It seemed to me that the root cause was Jake – a rather weak character who was very dependent on others and, perhaps, chose the wrong friends but who could/would not take responsibility for his actions. Tilly took it all on her own shoulders which had hard consequences not only for herself but all her family. Her father and daughter shine out in this story – great folk to have on your side in such difficult times.
Tilly now gives talks to schools etc., she also clearly realised from her time in prison what the effects of drugs can do and that’s a great way to redress what she did.
This is a terrific book that can easily be used as a base, a tool for discussion on drugs, making choices, understanding your financial information, budgeting, relationships and the consequences of breaking the law amongst other life issues. These are things that are important and should be part of what all young people learn about in school.
Not necessarily an easy book to read at times but nonetheless it is an interesting, fascinating account of one woman’s story of debt and desperate attempt to help her family back to a better life. Mistaken, yes, but what would any of us do in those circumstances?
Thanks
To Kelly and Megs at LoveBooksTours for the invite to the BlogTour for From Highlights and Lowlifes and to TWH Publishing for a copy of the book. I do not receive any payment for reviews.
November 29, 2020
What can I say about this book other than it hits you straight in the gut and brings tears to your eyes.
This book follows Tilly, She finds herself in a situation she never thought she would be in. This is a very candid and no holds barred look at what happens when you do things for the ones you love.
You start the journey following Tilly who finds herself describing her feelings as she sits on board a ferry coming back from France heading to the port at Dover, She is all out of sorts. The way her feelings are described in these first few pages grips you like a vice and won't let you go. I felt her anxiety, I could picture how she was looking the feelings of over worry and anxiety washing over her as she found herself in a situation she never thought she would find herself in. I related to the internal monologue that she described almost building herself up into a worse situation. The build up to Tilly being caught and ending up in prison is something you can't help but keep reading despite feeling almost uncomfortable. Following Tilly on her journey to becoming aware of her surroundings which were ever changing depending on the mood of the other prisoners. This is also a very good depiction of what addiction can do to relationships. In this case Gambling and Alcohol. The feelings of overwhelming love and wanting to do the right thing for her family and children, to the hate you feel towards them for putting her through everything he has and making her feel like she didn't have a choice to do something and experience something that will stay with her for a substantial time after.
My only criticism... I wanted more... no needed more. I needed to know what things happened in the run up to her release but also what happened after her eventual release... did she reconcile those broken relationships, How is her relationship with her children? I even feel like I wanted to know more of how she felt before she was released.
I would recommend this book to everyone to read but be warned, this isn't a book that skirts around the hard stuff and there are some trigger warnings. This is an open and raw account of being in the prison system.
This book follows Tilly, She finds herself in a situation she never thought she would be in. This is a very candid and no holds barred look at what happens when you do things for the ones you love.
You start the journey following Tilly who finds herself describing her feelings as she sits on board a ferry coming back from France heading to the port at Dover, She is all out of sorts. The way her feelings are described in these first few pages grips you like a vice and won't let you go. I felt her anxiety, I could picture how she was looking the feelings of over worry and anxiety washing over her as she found herself in a situation she never thought she would find herself in. I related to the internal monologue that she described almost building herself up into a worse situation. The build up to Tilly being caught and ending up in prison is something you can't help but keep reading despite feeling almost uncomfortable. Following Tilly on her journey to becoming aware of her surroundings which were ever changing depending on the mood of the other prisoners. This is also a very good depiction of what addiction can do to relationships. In this case Gambling and Alcohol. The feelings of overwhelming love and wanting to do the right thing for her family and children, to the hate you feel towards them for putting her through everything he has and making her feel like she didn't have a choice to do something and experience something that will stay with her for a substantial time after.
My only criticism... I wanted more... no needed more. I needed to know what things happened in the run up to her release but also what happened after her eventual release... did she reconcile those broken relationships, How is her relationship with her children? I even feel like I wanted to know more of how she felt before she was released.
I would recommend this book to everyone to read but be warned, this isn't a book that skirts around the hard stuff and there are some trigger warnings. This is an open and raw account of being in the prison system.
November 30, 2020
*Please note I received the old cover of this book!*
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𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘰 𝘛𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘺’𝘴 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘣𝘭𝘦𝘮𝘴 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘯���𝘸 𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘯𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘦. 𝘈 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳-𝘰𝘧-𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘦𝘦, 𝘛𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘰𝘵𝘺𝘱𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘤𝘳𝘪𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘭 – 𝘪𝘯 𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘵, 𝘴𝘩𝘦’𝘥 𝘣𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘢 𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘨𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘧 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘵. 𝘚𝘩𝘦’𝘥 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺.
•
This book was very interesting, part fiction, part memoir of the Author Jilly Clarke's account of her time in prison. I really enjoyed diving into the world of prisons, prisoners and gaurds. There's a lot of mentions in our everyday life, that prisons are a luxury and a lot better than care homes. But after reading this, like hell it is. I felt so sorry for Tilly’s character, she was in an impossible situation, save and protect her family and their lifestyle or loose everything. She choose one huge, costily mistake and was convicted 5 years in prison. I really felt for her. She was just protecting her family, like any mother would do. Given though the mistake she did, I'm surprised at how well most of her family dealt with her time in prison. As for prison life, blimey...no words that I can explain will do it justice. But this book does explain and do just that so vividly and amazingly. I felt like I was prisoner myself spending my time locked up.
•
The only thing I would say about this novel is, I would of liked more. I wanted to know how Tilly’s life ended. How her home visits went? Did she serve the 5 years sentence or did she leave earlier? And what about this Lisa? Is she still going to be threat or was it a one off? I'd of liked to of had answers for that but other than that, this was such an interesting, thought provoking read.
•
#gifted
@lovebookstours
@thewritinghall
•
𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘰 𝘛𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘺’𝘴 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘣𝘭𝘦𝘮𝘴 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘯���𝘸 𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘯𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘦. 𝘈 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳-𝘰𝘧-𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘦𝘦, 𝘛𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘰𝘵𝘺𝘱𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘤𝘳𝘪𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘭 – 𝘪𝘯 𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘵, 𝘴𝘩𝘦’𝘥 𝘣𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘢 𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘨𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘧 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘵. 𝘚𝘩𝘦’𝘥 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺.
•
This book was very interesting, part fiction, part memoir of the Author Jilly Clarke's account of her time in prison. I really enjoyed diving into the world of prisons, prisoners and gaurds. There's a lot of mentions in our everyday life, that prisons are a luxury and a lot better than care homes. But after reading this, like hell it is. I felt so sorry for Tilly’s character, she was in an impossible situation, save and protect her family and their lifestyle or loose everything. She choose one huge, costily mistake and was convicted 5 years in prison. I really felt for her. She was just protecting her family, like any mother would do. Given though the mistake she did, I'm surprised at how well most of her family dealt with her time in prison. As for prison life, blimey...no words that I can explain will do it justice. But this book does explain and do just that so vividly and amazingly. I felt like I was prisoner myself spending my time locked up.
•
The only thing I would say about this novel is, I would of liked more. I wanted to know how Tilly’s life ended. How her home visits went? Did she serve the 5 years sentence or did she leave earlier? And what about this Lisa? Is she still going to be threat or was it a one off? I'd of liked to of had answers for that but other than that, this was such an interesting, thought provoking read.
•
#gifted
@lovebookstours
@thewritinghall
October 31, 2020
Thanks to Love Book Tours for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This was a really easy read. This book is based on real events & real diary entries of a woman in prison. Tilly the main character is a very ordinary mam of 3. In a bid to protect her family she tries to smuggle drugs into the country. Her plan fails and she suffers the consequences she thought she would never endure because she was ‘Mrs ordinary’. The book goes through Tilly’s ordeal in prison and how much she misses her family. She witnesses drugs, violence, sex and attempted suicides. I had never really thought about how prisoners got into the position they were in and only that they were guilty and they shouldn’t have done it. This book changed my opinion on the matter. You feel heartily sorry for Tilly and can feel how sorry she is for what she has done.
Synopsis:
What had seemed the answer to Tilly’s problems had now turned into her worst nightmare. A happily married mother-of-three, Tilly was not the stereotypical criminal – in fact, she’d barely warrant a second glance if passed in the street.
“No one will stop you, Tilly. You’re Mrs. Average. Why would anyone suspect you?”
She’d only wanted to protect her family. If your whole life was under threat, would you make the same decision?
Based on actual events and real-life diary entries, Tilly’s story shows how quickly life can turn…
"I couldn't put this book down. A moving true story that's well worth a read." A gritty, gripping, true-crime debut.
Synopsis:
What had seemed the answer to Tilly’s problems had now turned into her worst nightmare. A happily married mother-of-three, Tilly was not the stereotypical criminal – in fact, she’d barely warrant a second glance if passed in the street.
“No one will stop you, Tilly. You’re Mrs. Average. Why would anyone suspect you?”
She’d only wanted to protect her family. If your whole life was under threat, would you make the same decision?
Based on actual events and real-life diary entries, Tilly’s story shows how quickly life can turn…
"I couldn't put this book down. A moving true story that's well worth a read." A gritty, gripping, true-crime debut.
November 24, 2020
𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐋𝐨𝐰𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 on the booktour with @lovebookstours
⭐⭐⭐⭐
This was a marvellous book, interesting, gripping, honest & real. A story based on the real events Tilly experienced from her arrest to her release, on remand for drug transportation.
I absolutely loved the writing style, so easy to follow, a super quick read but one that didn't take away how important the story was for the reader. I felt it could have been more indepth and for such a short book I'm wondering why it wasn't. I wanted to know more about who Tilly was before and certainly who Tilly was after.
It was a horrific account at times, of the animals that pounced and roamed within prison in the 90s, animals that im sure have mutated and continue to invade to this day. Tilly was such an incredibly strong woman and a true mother to her children, I never thought I could admire a prisoner held for drugs, but for her i do, I could feel her remorse in every word and understand what she did.
This is a true life account of a drug mule in the 90s, a drug mule, innocent emotionally, it got me thinking, Tilly did what she did to protect her family, would i do the same, i know my answer, do you know yours?
"I wrapped my arms around the packages strapped to my stomach. Then all hell broke loose. What had seemed like the answer to Tilly's problems had now become her worst nightmare. A happily married mum of three; she was Mrs average, why would anyone suspect her? She only wanted to protect her family"
⭐⭐⭐⭐
This was a marvellous book, interesting, gripping, honest & real. A story based on the real events Tilly experienced from her arrest to her release, on remand for drug transportation.
I absolutely loved the writing style, so easy to follow, a super quick read but one that didn't take away how important the story was for the reader. I felt it could have been more indepth and for such a short book I'm wondering why it wasn't. I wanted to know more about who Tilly was before and certainly who Tilly was after.
It was a horrific account at times, of the animals that pounced and roamed within prison in the 90s, animals that im sure have mutated and continue to invade to this day. Tilly was such an incredibly strong woman and a true mother to her children, I never thought I could admire a prisoner held for drugs, but for her i do, I could feel her remorse in every word and understand what she did.
This is a true life account of a drug mule in the 90s, a drug mule, innocent emotionally, it got me thinking, Tilly did what she did to protect her family, would i do the same, i know my answer, do you know yours?
"I wrapped my arms around the packages strapped to my stomach. Then all hell broke loose. What had seemed like the answer to Tilly's problems had now become her worst nightmare. A happily married mum of three; she was Mrs average, why would anyone suspect her? She only wanted to protect her family"
November 29, 2020
📖Synopsis: All Tilly wanted to do was protect her family. After all, she was Miss Average. Why would anyone suspect her?
A happily married, mother of 3 ends up in prison.
All hell breaks loose.
*Based on real-life events and diary entries.
📖Characters: Tilly, the main character, is Miss Average, Miss Normal. She never does wrong by law, so when she ends up in prison, I immediately knew something ought to have happened to change her life so.
Tilly is caring, kind and does not at all fit into the life of a criminal. She's too sensitive for that.
I quite liked her character though. She would do anything for her family, literally anything.
📖Plot: The opening to this book had me like 'What?' 'Why?'.... 'What?!' I was so intruiged by everything! Tilly was awfully jumpy though, making it obvious she was to suspected.
Both authors have came together and have written Tilly's story fabulously! It's emotional, mysterious and yet it's beautiful, all at once.
I'll admit I cried reading Tilly's story. Knowing it was based on true events made Tilly's story even more heartbreaking.
I really enjoyed this more than I thought I would have though. A book that makes one cry is a book worth reading.
Buddy reading with @these.blank.pages on Instagram also helped with my enjoyment of this book! 😆
Would definitely recommend reading!
📖Rating: 5/5✨
**TW**
This book mentions drugs, smuggling and gambling addictions. Also some over-use of alcohol. If a sensitive reader this book isn't for you!
A happily married, mother of 3 ends up in prison.
All hell breaks loose.
*Based on real-life events and diary entries.
📖Characters: Tilly, the main character, is Miss Average, Miss Normal. She never does wrong by law, so when she ends up in prison, I immediately knew something ought to have happened to change her life so.
Tilly is caring, kind and does not at all fit into the life of a criminal. She's too sensitive for that.
I quite liked her character though. She would do anything for her family, literally anything.
📖Plot: The opening to this book had me like 'What?' 'Why?'.... 'What?!' I was so intruiged by everything! Tilly was awfully jumpy though, making it obvious she was to suspected.
Both authors have came together and have written Tilly's story fabulously! It's emotional, mysterious and yet it's beautiful, all at once.
I'll admit I cried reading Tilly's story. Knowing it was based on true events made Tilly's story even more heartbreaking.
I really enjoyed this more than I thought I would have though. A book that makes one cry is a book worth reading.
Buddy reading with @these.blank.pages on Instagram also helped with my enjoyment of this book! 😆
Would definitely recommend reading!
📖Rating: 5/5✨
**TW**
This book mentions drugs, smuggling and gambling addictions. Also some over-use of alcohol. If a sensitive reader this book isn't for you!
November 23, 2020
This is a short book which I raced through in one sitting – I just couldn’t put it down.
The book begins with Tilly’s arrest and from then you follow her journey through the prison system and the horrors she experiences along the way. Throughout the book it also flashes back to before the crime, which explores why she agreed to go ahead with it and just how desperate she was.
I adore true crime and anything discussing prison life (I’m a huge fan of the 60 Days In series) so I was very excited to read this and it didn’t disappoint when it came to explaining what life was like when inside. Some of the things that Tilly witnessed were heartbreaking and shocking to read but clearly conveyed just how desperate and addicted some of the prisoners are.
My only criticism would be the abrupt ending. I was expecting it to end explaining when she got out of prison and what happened with her boyfriend / family afterwards but it didn’t and I really wanted to know how she rebuilt her life so I was a little disappointed that this wasn’t covered.
Overall though this was a fascinating look at prison life and how when you’re that desperate you are willing to do absolutely anything!
The book begins with Tilly’s arrest and from then you follow her journey through the prison system and the horrors she experiences along the way. Throughout the book it also flashes back to before the crime, which explores why she agreed to go ahead with it and just how desperate she was.
I adore true crime and anything discussing prison life (I’m a huge fan of the 60 Days In series) so I was very excited to read this and it didn’t disappoint when it came to explaining what life was like when inside. Some of the things that Tilly witnessed were heartbreaking and shocking to read but clearly conveyed just how desperate and addicted some of the prisoners are.
My only criticism would be the abrupt ending. I was expecting it to end explaining when she got out of prison and what happened with her boyfriend / family afterwards but it didn’t and I really wanted to know how she rebuilt her life so I was a little disappointed that this wasn’t covered.
Overall though this was a fascinating look at prison life and how when you’re that desperate you are willing to do absolutely anything!
November 25, 2020
3.5 ⭐️
A fast paced, gripping and thought-provoking true crime novel that I just could not put down.
I never think about or even consider what it’s like to go prison, but reading about Tilly, an average law-abiding citizen who made one mistake that changed her life forever, really touched me. All I could think about is how life can take unexpected turns for anyone and everyone.
It was heartbreaking reading about how isolated and disconnected she felt. The fact that it’s written in first person helped me connect with Tilly and I think that’s what made the story so compelling
I felt as though the ending was quite rushed and abrupt. I wish we could have learned more about what it was like for her after she left.
Thank you @lovebooktours @thewritinghall for sending me a #gifted copy in return for an honest review.
A fast paced, gripping and thought-provoking true crime novel that I just could not put down.
I never think about or even consider what it’s like to go prison, but reading about Tilly, an average law-abiding citizen who made one mistake that changed her life forever, really touched me. All I could think about is how life can take unexpected turns for anyone and everyone.
It was heartbreaking reading about how isolated and disconnected she felt. The fact that it’s written in first person helped me connect with Tilly and I think that’s what made the story so compelling
I felt as though the ending was quite rushed and abrupt. I wish we could have learned more about what it was like for her after she left.
Thank you @lovebooktours @thewritinghall for sending me a #gifted copy in return for an honest review.
December 1, 2020
This is the story of how one desperate act to save the family a woman treasures, leads her to commit a crime that she was told would be fine, because she’s “average “. Her crime and subsequent journey are harrowing though not scary, as in being dramatised in any way.
They come across as an honest account and a very stark warning that nothing comes that easily.
It details her relationship with her fellow prisoners and her family. Her own feelings are honestly given for us to read and see the real effects and the lack of glamour in prison life.
I enjoyed this book and I think if true life stories are your thing , you’ll love it. I love the starkness of the cover too.
Thanks to LoveBooksGroup, Hall Good Books and the author for this advanced reading copy.
They come across as an honest account and a very stark warning that nothing comes that easily.
It details her relationship with her fellow prisoners and her family. Her own feelings are honestly given for us to read and see the real effects and the lack of glamour in prison life.
I enjoyed this book and I think if true life stories are your thing , you’ll love it. I love the starkness of the cover too.
Thanks to LoveBooksGroup, Hall Good Books and the author for this advanced reading copy.
November 30, 2020
This book is based on real-life diary entries.
A wife’s desperation to get her family out of debt leads to her drug smuggling for an acquaintance. The story follows her turmoil as she’s caught and imprisoned. Her diary entries run us through her sentence, until her release day. I did enjoy this book but felt it brought up more questions than answers. I hope there is a sequel as I wanted to know more about life after prison and how it affected her life. As a short story, it was easy to follow and enticed me in, I read it in a day! I love how the author had a ghostwriter and used a pseudonym to avoid her identity becoming public, This added to the mystery!
A wife’s desperation to get her family out of debt leads to her drug smuggling for an acquaintance. The story follows her turmoil as she’s caught and imprisoned. Her diary entries run us through her sentence, until her release day. I did enjoy this book but felt it brought up more questions than answers. I hope there is a sequel as I wanted to know more about life after prison and how it affected her life. As a short story, it was easy to follow and enticed me in, I read it in a day! I love how the author had a ghostwriter and used a pseudonym to avoid her identity becoming public, This added to the mystery!
January 2, 2021
So many questions!
Did Tony get caught?
Did Lisa get her comeuppance?
Did Tilly reconnect with her Mum?
Did Elliot receive the care and support he needed?
Why didn't Elliot get taken to his grandparents?
Why was Tilly so judgmental of others when she was just as bad?
Did Tilly ever really take responsibility for what she did and didn't do?
What is Tilly doing now?
The 3 stars are for the bravery of a fellow Yorkshire lass writing a story based on her experience and for the wonderful Writing Hall publishers but I was left so unsatisfied with the ending 😭
Did Tony get caught?
Did Lisa get her comeuppance?
Did Tilly reconnect with her Mum?
Did Elliot receive the care and support he needed?
Why didn't Elliot get taken to his grandparents?
Why was Tilly so judgmental of others when she was just as bad?
Did Tilly ever really take responsibility for what she did and didn't do?
What is Tilly doing now?
The 3 stars are for the bravery of a fellow Yorkshire lass writing a story based on her experience and for the wonderful Writing Hall publishers but I was left so unsatisfied with the ending 😭
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2021
From Highlights to Lowlifes recounts Tilly’s story of how she went from running her own hairdressing business to being sentenced and imprisoned for Class A drug offences.
Told through a mixture of first person anecdotes and diary extracts written while serving her sentence, Tilly offers an insight into how one decision went on to have severe impact on her own life, and that of those she loves.
While this was a quick read and gave interesting insights into the difference between a prisoner’s experience in maximum security (Holloway) and lower category/ more “open” environments, I found it difficult to warm to Tilly’s character. She makes a number of unkind and unnecessary comments about the relationships between fellow inmates and I felt I wanted to understand her reflections on a deeper level than just being angry at her partner.
If you read and enjoyed Chris Atkins’ A Bit Of A Stretch, or any of the Orange Is The New Black type of dramas, then this may appeal to you.
Finally, perhaps future readers should be aware that this contains descriptions of a suicide attempt, family bereavement and explicit sexual violence.
Told through a mixture of first person anecdotes and diary extracts written while serving her sentence, Tilly offers an insight into how one decision went on to have severe impact on her own life, and that of those she loves.
While this was a quick read and gave interesting insights into the difference between a prisoner’s experience in maximum security (Holloway) and lower category/ more “open” environments, I found it difficult to warm to Tilly’s character. She makes a number of unkind and unnecessary comments about the relationships between fellow inmates and I felt I wanted to understand her reflections on a deeper level than just being angry at her partner.
If you read and enjoyed Chris Atkins’ A Bit Of A Stretch, or any of the Orange Is The New Black type of dramas, then this may appeal to you.
Finally, perhaps future readers should be aware that this contains descriptions of a suicide attempt, family bereavement and explicit sexual violence.
January 5, 2021
This was a different type of book. When I began reading it I wanted to know immediately why she did it? It was an interesting reading and something different. The details on the event and what happens was very informative. It has its own form of uniqueness and spark. Would recommend it to everyone.
November 21, 2020
Review to follow
November 25, 2020
How one wrong turn in life can take you from being a business owner, a wife, a mother to a criminal but desperate times call for desperate measures. What would you do to help your family?
Tilly makes a bad decision that ends with her serving time in prison and this short book takes you through the journey with her. This is a fictional book based on the events of a true story.
I really enjoyed this book, but I did feel it could have had so much more depth. I wanted more from it, it left me with so many unanswered questions which I guess what can you expect from a short novel but it has the potential to be so much more which is why I gave it a 3* rating as I just wanted more.
I felt her anger, her sadness, frustration and pain and for a book to allow you to feel those emotions is a tremendous thing.
Tilly makes a bad decision that ends with her serving time in prison and this short book takes you through the journey with her. This is a fictional book based on the events of a true story.
I really enjoyed this book, but I did feel it could have had so much more depth. I wanted more from it, it left me with so many unanswered questions which I guess what can you expect from a short novel but it has the potential to be so much more which is why I gave it a 3* rating as I just wanted more.
I felt her anger, her sadness, frustration and pain and for a book to allow you to feel those emotions is a tremendous thing.
November 23, 2020
Highlights to lowlifes Alyson Chattoe Jilly Clarke
I really enjoyed this book. Its is based on true events and diary events, then written as a fictional story. I was hooked into the story from page one and read this book in two sittings, and if anything I wanted more!
This book was well written and I enjoyed every minute of it.
I really enjoyed this book. Its is based on true events and diary events, then written as a fictional story. I was hooked into the story from page one and read this book in two sittings, and if anything I wanted more!
This book was well written and I enjoyed every minute of it.
November 24, 2020
3.5 review- I enjoyed this book based on true events, namely Tilly’s journey through prison life after being arrested on drug charges. I found it really honest and well written and a great insight in to what went on behind the scenes in prison, including some of the characters she met along the way. I also really felt for Tilly, she was in an extremely difficult position and made the choice she thought was right at the time, and had to deal with the consequences of this. I also thought that this could have been developed a bit more to let us know what happened to Tilly when she left prison and how her family life developed.
December 1, 2020
I was gifted a copy if this book in exchange for an honest review.
"What had seemed the answer to Tilly's problems, had now turned into her worst nightmare. A happily married mother of three, Tilly was not the stereotypical criminal... Based on actual events and real-life diary entries, Tilly's story shows how quickly life can turn... "
TW: addiction, drugs, suicide
Tilly resorts to do somewthing unthinkable in order to sort out sone problems in her marital life.
Thinking she wasn't going to get caught, she embarks herself in a journey involving drugs which make her end up in jail. It shows how addiction of any kind can destroy your life and the life of those around you, and that you shouldn't trust everyone.
It is a short book, easy to follow but some themes might be upsetting for some people. The ending left me wanting to know more but I enjoyed reading it, even though the themes are quite heavy.
"What had seemed the answer to Tilly's problems, had now turned into her worst nightmare. A happily married mother of three, Tilly was not the stereotypical criminal... Based on actual events and real-life diary entries, Tilly's story shows how quickly life can turn... "
TW: addiction, drugs, suicide
Tilly resorts to do somewthing unthinkable in order to sort out sone problems in her marital life.
Thinking she wasn't going to get caught, she embarks herself in a journey involving drugs which make her end up in jail. It shows how addiction of any kind can destroy your life and the life of those around you, and that you shouldn't trust everyone.
It is a short book, easy to follow but some themes might be upsetting for some people. The ending left me wanting to know more but I enjoyed reading it, even though the themes are quite heavy.
November 23, 2020
Its 1997, Tilly is a mum of 3 and her partner Jake has a drug/gambling problem that has caused them some financial issues. Jake's friend Tony seems to have the answers.
Tilly is returning from France, and she gets caught. Caught with drugs taped to her stomach. She wasn't meant to get caught, she was too normal, this wasn't part of the plan.
Tilly then embarks on a nightmare. She is sent to Holloway to await her court date. She takes the bull by the horns and keeps to her routine, getting on is the only way she will get out.
This book is based on a true story and is written so well. I couldn't put it down.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Tilly is returning from France, and she gets caught. Caught with drugs taped to her stomach. She wasn't meant to get caught, she was too normal, this wasn't part of the plan.
Tilly then embarks on a nightmare. She is sent to Holloway to await her court date. She takes the bull by the horns and keeps to her routine, getting on is the only way she will get out.
This book is based on a true story and is written so well. I couldn't put it down.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
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